Economical aspects of the application of partial and full castration on Poulfouli rams in the Far North Cameroon

Abstract

The influence of partial and full castration on the performances of Poulfouli rams in the Far North Cameroon was investigated. An economic analysis of the running costs was undertaken and the results compared to sale data collected on the markets of the Diamaré Department with the aim of determining if castration can be of any economic advantage for fattening rams. The analysis showed that, although castration provided a profit, it was too small to compensate the higher running costs required by castrates due to more expensive feeding than for entire rams. Moreover castrated rams were sold significantly later than entire rams so that the capital was immobilized over a longer period. Full castration should not be recommended, at least not in terms of profit to be expected from fattening rams. By contrast, partial castration with the short scrotum technique appears as an economically efficient production method.